Selecting Cam Newton with the top overall draft pick last April was the most important offseason move among many by the Carolina Panthers. Hiring Ron Rivera as head coach was another, as was veteran wide receiver Steve Smith deciding to remain a Panther while embracing Newton.
The latter got plenty of play regionally, but not nationally. Newtons amazing rookie season generated weekly attention throughout the NFL, but its possible things would have turned out quite differently if the sometimes-volatile Smith didnt sign off on Newton and decided hed play rather play elsewhere.
Smith helped Newton become one of the guys pretty quickly, and Newton gave Smith a reason to stick around. The franchise has a future, and Smith, now 32, buying in should forever be regarded as a key factor in Newtons transition to a starting quarterback in the NFL.
It didnt take long for Smith to become a Newton fan and supporter, and that union helped the veteran turn in an All-Pro season.
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